Definition:
A Reflexive verb is a type of verb in which the verb’s subject is the same as the direct object.
A reflexive verb allows the subject of the sentence to both perform an action and receive that action.
A reflexive verb is one in which the subject of the sentence and object of the sentence is the same.
Type of Verbs, definition and examples
Reflexive verb examples:
- to enjoy oneself
- to deny oneself
- to market oneself
- to hurt oneself
- to pay oneself
- to kill oneself
- to convince oneself
- to encourage oneself
If I want to say, I cut myself, I would need to use a reflexive verb because I am both the subject and the object of the sentence;
I’m cutting myself!
A reflexive verb indicates that the subject both performs an action and receives the direct result of that action.
For example,
- I went to bed.
The action and the result are indicated by the same verb, which means that to go is a reflexive verb in this sentence.
Reflexive verbs may be used in both transitive and intransitive forms, but they are always followed by a reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence.
For example,
- He killed himself
Involves a reflexive verb because the subject of the sentence (he) and the object of the sentence (himself) are one and the same person.
Useful Examples of Reflexive Verbs:
- I am teaching myself to speak English.
- Be careful with the knife. Don’t cut yourself!
- Sam introduced himself to the new employee.
- He hurts himself when he fell down the tree.
- He washes his hands in the morning in the garden.
- Mrs. Khan bathes her son in the early morning.
- The entire society has decided to prevent themselves from diseases.
- He cut down his hair and nail yesterday.
- Birds like to fly themselves from tree to tree.
- The dog crosses the road itself.
So in the above sentences, all the bold letters are under the definition of reflexive verbs.